Ensure Transparent Probe Into Taiping Prison Assault Saifuddin Told

---

 
Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail must prioritise a transparent investigation to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators, says Urimai. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: Indian rights party, Urumai has called for home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure a transparent investigation into the alleged assault of more than 100 prisoners in Taiping, which purportedly led to the death of one inmate.
In a statement, the party said regardless of what sparked the incident, whether the prisoners provoked the wardens or vice versa, a “thorough unbiased investigation will reveal the truth”.
“Saifuddin must prioritise a transparent investigation to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators.”
The party went on to demand a public inquiry into the incident to address the systemic cruelty against prisoners.
Serious disciplinary action should also be taken against the wardens involved in the assault, it said.
Earlier today, Bukit Aman said it was taking over investigations into the alleged incident, with acting Perak police chief Zulkafli Sariaat saying a “transparent investigation will be held”.
He added that for now investigations are being conducted under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
There were claims that over 60 prison wardens had assaulted more than 100 prisoners in Taiping prison recently, allegedly leading to the death of one inmate.
To date, 82 people have given their statements to assist in the probe, including two prison officers, he said.
Separately, the prisons department confirmed that a “provocation” had occurred recently involving inmates being transferred from the Batu Gajah correctional facility to Taiping prison. - FMT

---